gould’s petrel fiji

Introduction

Shearwaters and petrels – Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae. The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized “true petrels”, characterized by united nostrils with a medium septum and a long outer functional primary.

Fun Fact 1: Travel Long Distances.

Shearwaters and petrels are fascinating seabirds known for their remarkable ability to travel long distances. One fun fact about them is that they have a keen sense of smell, which is quite unusual for birds. This olfactory ability helps them locate food sources like fish and squid while flying over the vast expanses of the open ocean.

NEWELL’S SHEARWATERFLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATERWEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATER
Newells ShearwaterFlesh footed ShearwaterWedge tailed Shearwater
BULLER’S SHEARWATERSOOTY SHEARWATERSHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER
Bullers ShearwaterSooty ShearwaterShort tailed Shearwater
CHRISTMAS SHEARWATERBLACK-WINGED PETRELCAPE PETREL
Christmas ShearwaterBlack winged PetrelCape Petrel
GOULD’S PETRELPARKINSON’S PETRELMOTTLED PETREL
Goulds PetrelParkinsons PetrelMottled Petrel
TAHITI PETRELGRAY-FACED PETRELSOUTHERN GIANT-PETREL
Tahiti petrelGray faced PetrelSouthern Giant petrel
TROPICAL SHEARWATERKERMADEC PETRELMURPHY’S PETREL
Tropical ShearwaterKermadec PetrelMurphys Petrel
PROVIDENCE PETRELPHOENIX PETRELHERALD PETREL
Providence Petrel
WHITE-NECKED PETRELCOLLARED PETRELFIJI PETREL

Newell’s Shearwater

Newells Shearwater

The Newell’s Shearwater is a small, entirely dark petrel characterized by its distinctive silhouette, featuring a short neck and tapering tail. With black upperparts tinged brown and white underparts sharply contrasted by a dark facial patch extending beneath the eye, it presents a striking appearance.

In flight, it holds its head low, showcasing its shorter neck, while its underwings display a predominantly white coloration bordered by dark hues. Adorned with a white patch on the flanks extending onto the rump, its bill appears dark grey or brown, complemented by pale pink legs and feet. Gliding low over the water with a mix of short glides and rapid flapping, the Newell’s Shearwater captivates with its elegant presence against the ocean backdrop.

Common Name: Newell’s Shearwater
Scientific Name: Puffinus Newelli
Image Supplied: Alan Schmierier. (2018)

Flesh-footed Shearwater

Flesh footed Shearwater

The Flesh-footed Shearwater, a medium-sized seabird, is entirely colored in dark chocolate hues, featuring a distinctive dark-tipped pink bill. Its plumage is uniformly black, contrasting with pale pinkish feet and a pale bill accented by a distinct black tip.

Common Name: Flesh-footed Shearwater
Scientific Name: Ardenna Carneipes
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Brian Gratwicke. (2010)

Wedge-tailed Shearwater

Wedge tailed Shearwater

The Wedge-tailed Shearwater, the largest of its tropical counterparts, displays a light body with broad wings and a distinctive, wedge-shaped tail. It often accompanies feeding seabirds in flight. Its plumage varies from gray-brown above to whitish below, with some individuals sporting a darker overall hue. Notably, its bill is dark, and its legs are salmon-pink, positioned far back on the body for efficient swimming.

Common Name: Wedge-tailed Shearwater
Scientific Name: Ardenna Pacifica
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Duncan Wright. (2005)

Buller’s Shearwater

Bullers Shearwater

Buller’s Shearwater is a striking large seabird distinguished by its distinctive dark “M” pattern on the upperwings, along with a crisp dark cap and clean white underwings and belly. Its upperside appears bluish-grey when fresh but may take on a more brownish hue in worn individuals. With a graceful flight style, it is easily recognizable among shearwaters by its wing pattern.

The bluish-grey upper surface features a blackish stripe running from the tertiary remiges to the primary wing coverts, creating the impression of a broken black “M” against a light grey background. The underside is bright white, with the grey extending down to eye height on the head, and blackish rectrices forming a wedge-shaped tail. Juveniles exhibit the same coloration as adults, while nestlings are covered in grey down feathers.  

Common Name: Buller’s Shearwater
Scientific Name: Ardenna Bulleri
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Unknown

Sooty Shearwater

Sooty Shearwater

The medium-sized dark brown shearwater displays silvery flashes on its underwings. Its narrow wings beat quickly and deeply. distinguishable by their heavier build, straighter wings, and slightly longer bills, exhibit a unique flight pattern characterized by dipping from side to side with few wing beats, almost touching the water. This flight is powerful and direct, resembling that of a small albatross.

Common Name: Sooty Shearwater
Scientific Name: Ardenna Grisea
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: JJ Harrison. (2012)

Short-tailed Shearwater

Short tailed Shearwater

The Short-tailed Shearwater, a medium-sized dark brown shearwater, is characterized by its narrow, crooked wings and rapid, snappy wingbeats. Its underwing pattern varies but typically appears rather dark. Notably, the Short-tailed Shearwater is lighter in weight with more angular wings, along with a slightly shorter bill and a rounder head, distinguishing it from its counterparts.

Common Name: Short-tailed Shearwater
Scientific Name: Ardenna Tenuirostris
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: JJ Harrison. (2012).

Christmas Shearwater

Christmas Shearwater

The Christmas shearwater is a medium-sized seabird with a sleek, uniformly dark brown plumage. It flies smoothly and low over the water, distinguishing it from other shearwaters. This bird features subtle white markings under the chin and on the upperwing coverts, with brown-grey feet and a dark bill and eyes. Both sexes and fledglings share the same appearance, characterized by a slender build and dark grey down feathers in their early stages.  

Common Name: Christmas Shearwater
Scientific Name: Puffinus Nativitatis
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Duncan Wright. (2006).

Black-winged Petrel

Black winged Petrel

The black-winged petrel, a small petrel species, boasts elongated wings and a compact body. Its underwings stand out due to a broad black margin surrounding them, along with a distinct black diagonal bar on the inner wing. Sporting a petite head, short black beak, and squared-off tail, this petrel showcases a pale grey cap and nape, complemented by white cheeks and a dark grey collar. Its dorsal surface exhibits a pale grey hue, transitioning to a dark greyish black on the outer wing edges. With white underparts and black outer wing edges, this bird’s tail features striking black and white bars.  

Common Name: Black-winged Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Nigripennis
Recorded Sightings: Unknown

Cape Petrel

Cape Petrel

The Cape petrel displays a striking contrast of colors, with a black head and neck juxtaposed against a white belly and breast. Its underwing is predominantly white, bordered by a distinct black edge. The back, upperwings, and tail of this bird are adorned with a speckled pattern of black and white, adding to its distinctive appearance.  

Common Name: Cape Petrel
Scientific Name: Daption Capense
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: JJ Harrison. (2011).

Gould’s Petrel

Goulds Petrel

A small gadfly petrel, the Gould’s petrel presents a distinct coloration scheme. Its upper parts are a blend of dark brown and grey, while below, it boasts a pristine white plumage. Notably, its head features a dark hue, contrasting with a white forehead and face. With long, slender wings and a short, rounded tail, this petrel stands out with a unique dark gray cap extending from the crown down the sides of its face, nape, and neck to the wing.

Adding to its charm, its upperwings showcase a dark ‘M’ pattern, while a broad black band adorns the bend of its wings, reaching towards the tip and curving back diagonally towards the body. This species often accompanies other seabirds, tuna, and dolphins while feeding.

Common Name: Gould’s Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Leucoptera
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: JJ Harrison. (2022)

Parkinson’s Petrel

Parkinsons Petrel

A medium-sized petrel, entirely cloaked in black feathers, is distinguished by its bill, which is tinged with yellow and ends in a dark tip.

Common Name: Parkinson’s Petrel
Scientific Name: Procellaria Parkinsoni
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Aviceda. (2008).

Mottled Petrel

Mottled Petrel

A petrel of medium size, notable for a unique dark marking on its belly.

Common Name: Mottled Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Inexpectata
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: JJ Harrison. (2022).

Tahiti Petrel

Tahiti petrel

A medium-sized seabird displaying a predominantly dark brown hue, accented by a striking white belly. Its key features include elongated wings, a robust bill, and a wedge-shaped tail. This bird is characterized by its long neck, small head, dark brown eyes, and elongated body, featuring a contrasting white abdomen. Adults typically exhibit darker hoods and paler rumps, with underwings displaying a faint white line along the middle. Juveniles closely resemble adults in plumage, with females typically smaller in size. 

Common Name: Tahiti Petrel
Scientific Name: Pseudobulweria Rostrata
Recorded Sightings: Taveuni – Lomaiviti
Image Supplied: Aviceda. (2008)

Gray-faced Petrel

Gray faced Petrel

A large gadfly petrel, known for its all-dark plumage, frequents the Tasman Sea and the temperate and subtropical southwest Pacific Ocean. Notably, it features a grey face, chin, and throat, alongside a stout bill. Its wings are elongated and narrow.

Common Name: Gray-faced Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Gouldi
Recorded Sightings: Unknown
Image Supplied: Ed Dunens. (2017).

Southern Giant-petrel

Southern Giant petrel

A widespread and fairly common seabird, it boasts a large size akin to smaller albatrosses. Its most distinguishing feature is its very big pale bill, always adorned with a diagnostic pale greenish tip. Plumage exhibits variation; while most birds are dark overall or possess a whitish head, some are rarely observed with both whitish head and underparts. Additionally, a scarce white morph presents a snow-white appearance overall, accentuated by scattered black feathers.

Common Name: Southern Giant-petrel
Scientific Name: Macronectes Giganteus
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Flickr. (2020)

Tropical Shearwater

Tropical Shearwater

A small shearwater, characterized by dark blackish-brown upper parts and white underparts.

Common Name: Tropical Shearwater
Scientific Name: Puffinus Bailloni
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau
Image Supplied: Kinlarak. (2008).

Kermadec Petrel

Kermadec Petrel

The Kermadec petrel is a fairly large and thickset seabird. Its plumage varies widely, with some individuals having white bodies and heads, others dark heads, and some entirely dark. However, all types exhibit a distinctive white flash on the wingtip, with diagnostic white feather shafts on the upperwing. This species primarily feeds on squid, fish, and other marine creatures. 

Common Name: Kermadec Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Neglecta
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma.
Image Supplied: ZooPro. (2010).

Murphy’s Petrel

Murphys Petrel

The Murphy’s petrel, a member of the gadfly petrels, boasts a predominantly gray or grayish-brown plumage. It features a heavy and pronounced forebody, contrasting with a more slender rear. The bird presents a very pale face, complemented by a relatively small and weak bill. Across its back and wings, there is an indistinct brownish ‘M’ pattern.

Common Name: Murphy’s Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Ultima
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Angela K. Kepler. (2004).

Providence Petrel

Providence Petrel

The Providence petrel, a robust seabird found in the open Pacific Ocean, boasts a heavyset build and gray-brownish plumage. Notably, it features pale patches on the underwings at the primary feathers, along with indistinct pale feathering around the base of the bill. Occasionally, its upperparts exhibit a grayish, almost silvery grizzled appearance. Renowned for its high-arcing flight, especially in high winds, this petrel is a distinctive sight in its oceanic habitat.  

Common Name: Providence Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Solandri
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma
Image Supplied: Toby Hudson. (2012).

Phoenix Petrel

The Phoenix petrel, known for its long wings, predominantly displays dark plumage contrasted by a gleaming white belly. Its throat patch often exhibits pale speckling, with some birds appearing distinctly pale-throated. A key identifying feature is the prominent pale bar at the leading edge of the dark underwing, positioned between the elbow and body. This seabird typically flies with its wings bent at the elbow. Notably, there’s no discernible difference between the sexes.

Common Name: Phoenix Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Alba
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma

Herald Petrel

The Herald petrel, a medium-sized seabird with a lightly built frame, exhibits highly variable plumage. This variation ranges from white-bodied with dark heads to entirely dark individuals. Notably, the Herald petrel features white flashes on the underside of its wingtips, adding to its distinctive appearance.

Common Name: Herald Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Heraldica
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau – Rotuma

White-necked Petrel

The White-necked petrel, a large seabird with long wings and a thick bill, displays a distinctive dark “M” pattern on its wings against a gray backdrop. Its underwings are predominantly white. This petrel sports a black cap, with a white rear neck, and dark grey back, wings, and tail. Additionally, it features a darker rump and white underparts with dark bases on the primary feathers. As birds age, their upperparts tend to darken

Common Name: White-necked Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Cervicalis
Recorded Sightings: Unknown

Collared Petrel

The Collared petrel is a small seabird characterized by its gray-and-white plumage, adorned with a dark hood. Notably, it features a bold dark “M” pattern across its upperwings and a distinctive black underwing pattern. This species exhibits significant variability.

Its breeding range remains uncertain, with confirmed breeding only in Fiji. Nesting occurs on steep, forested slopes, where individuals utilize burrows or nest among tree roots. They primarily forage in open seas, and some individuals disperse into the central Pacific outside the breeding season.

Common Name: Collared Petrel
Scientific Name: Pterodroma Brevipes
Recorded Sightings: Viti Levu – Vanua Levu – Taveuni – Kadavu – Lomaiviti – Lau

Fiji Petrel

The Fiji petrel is a relatively small seabird, entirely dark in color, ranging from chocolate-brown to black. Its silhouette is distinctive, with a short neck and cigar-shaped body tapering to a narrow tail. In flight, it displays a more acrobatic style compared to Bulwer’s petrel.

Originally discovered in 1855 on Gau Island by naturalist John MacGillivray, the Fiji petrel was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1983. Since then, there have been only a few documented sightings, indicating a critically endangered status with a population of less than 50 individuals confined to a small breeding area.

Measuring about 30 cm (12 in) in length, the Fiji petrel is characterized by dark chocolate-colored feathers, a dark eye and bill, and pale blue foot patches. Although it may be observed in the waters around Gau Island, it is believed to disperse to pelagic waters far from the island.

Recognized for its rarity and importance, the Fiji petrel is revered by local residents of Gau, even appearing on Fijian banknotes and in the logo of the now-defunct Air Fiji. It has been protected under Fijian law since 1989.

Common Name: Fiji Petrel
Scientific Name: Pseudobulweria Macgillivrayi
Recorded Sightings: Lomaiviti

NatureFiji-MareqetiViti is Fiji’s only domestic NGO working solely for the conservation and sustainable management of Fiji’s unique natural heritage – Link

That’s all, folks! No extra info to dig into this time!

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